WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) today welcomed the announcement that Department of Veterans Affairs VISN 4 Director Michael Moreland will retire effective November 1. AFGE has called for the dismissal of Moreland for years in response to the reports by our courageous members in VISN 4 facilities about the extensive pattern of poor management, cover ups and whistleblower intimidation under his watch.

"On behalf of the employees and veterans who have been in harm's way during his long tenure, we feel tremendous relief now that Moreland will finally be leaving the agency," said AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr. "AFGE has sounded the alarm for years regarding Moreland's lack of true leadership and ineffectiveness as a regional director. Many of the dedicated employees at VISN 4 facilities faced intense retaliation and intimidation for standing up for patient care during Moreland's tenure. We couldn't be more pleased to learn that his reign of terror is coming to an end."

Moreland has been under intense scrutiny in the last year following the Legionnaires' outbreak at the Pittsburgh VA that resulted in five patient deaths, as well as other incidents at VISN 4 facilities that have put patients and workers at risk.

"To say we're pleased to hear of Moreland's departure is an understatement," said AFGE District 3 National Vice President Keith Hill. "Public servants and veterans under his direction have suffered greatly while he's been at the helm of this regional VA system. This is an opportunity for the agency to do right by its patients and dedicated staff, and appoint a leader who has the best interest of our nation's heroes at heart.

"In order to provide the highest level of service to our veterans we must ensure that those who manage our facilities are the best stewards of patient care," said AFGE National VA Council President Alma Lee. "Our front line employees have worked tirelessly to care for America's vets, despite the challenges facing them at the hands of Moreland. We look forward to new leadership in VISN 4 and hope the agency has opened its eyes to the harm ineffective careerists, such as Moreland, have done to the VA.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 670,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia. AFGE's National Veterans Affairs Council represents 208,000 employees within the Department of Veterans Affairs. For the latest AFGE news and information, follow us on Facebookand Twitter.